OUTER PLANET 62 PETplanet Insider Vol. 26 No. 07+08/25 www.petpla.net OUTER PLANET Microbes transform terephthalic acid into paracetamol A team of scientists under Professor Stephen Wallace, Chair of Chemical Biotechnology at the University of Edinburgh, transformed terephthalic acid into the active ingredient of paracetamol. Researchers at the University of Edinburgh’s Wallace Lab have discovered a groundbreaking method to produce paracetamol sustainably by using genetically reprogrammed E. coli bacteria to convert PET plastic waste into the active ingredient of the painkiller. Traditionally, paracetamol production relies heavily on fossil fuels like crude oil, which not only are depleting but also contribute to carbon emissions during manufacturing. The new process involves fermenting terephthalic acid - derived from industrial PET waste - into paracetamol in less than 24 hours at room temperature, without producing carbon emissions. This method demonstrated a conversion efficiency where about 90% of the product was paracetamol. Further development is needed before it can be produced on a commercial scale, the team says. “This work demonstrates that PET plastic isn’t just waste or a material destined to become more plastic - it can be transformed by microorganisms into valuable new products, including those with potential for treating disease,” said Professor Stephen WalMIDDLE EAST & AFRICA 15-17 September 2025 Dubai The Middle East & Africa’s only dedicated expo on plastics recycling returns to Dubai for its 3rd edition. Organised by In association with INDIA www.prseventmea.com Registration now open! PRS Global Events: lace, UKRI Future Leaders Fellow and Chair of Chemical Biotechnology. The research, published in Nature Chemistry, was funded by an EPSRC CASE award and biopharmaceutical company AstraZeneca, supported by Edinburgh Innovations (EI), the University’s commercialisation service. In addition to transforming PET into paracetamol, Professor Wallace and his team have been involved in the microbial conversion of terephthalic acid into vanillin, the main flavour component of vanilla - a story previously covered in PETplanet Insider (see issue 7+8/2021). www.ed.ac.uk
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